Tennis Legend Boris Becker Stands Behind the Global Poker Index

London, England (March 5th,, 2014) – The Global Poker Index is proud to announce that former World #1 tennis professional, and poker enthusiast Boris Becker has become the newest voice of support on behalf of the GPI.

As the GPI’s newest advocate the six-time Grand Slam Champion is set to promote poker and its players in new ways, bridging the game with the world of sports and helping to push our game-changing ranking system into the public limelight. Becker has grown from a poker novice, dabbling in his first tournaments, to become one of the biggest celebrity names actively in the game today. The GPI is thrilled to have his full support going forward.

It’s fitting that Becker, a former Olympic Gold Medalist, joins the GPI as fellow Germans, including Marvin Rettenmaier, Philipp Gruissem and 2013 GPI Player of the Year Ole Schemion, have dominated the live tournament poker circuit this past year, further cementing Germany’s place amongst poker’s elite.

“There are a lot of similarities between tennis and poker,” said Becker. “Players are required to make good decisions at the most opportune times in each game. Tennis rankings have been instrumental in turning tennis players into superstars recognized the world over, I hope to be able to help do the same for poker and poker players.”

“We are very excited at the opportunity to work with the legendary Boris Becker,” said Global Poker Index CEO Alexandre Dreyfus. “Boris is one the most recognized athletes in the world and has been involved in poker for a few years now. The fact that he is ready and willing to work with us in growing the game and promoting the players makes me very proud to have our organization associated with such a legend.”

Becker will also serve as Honorary President of the 2014 Global Poker Index European Poker Awards, to be presented in January 2015 and will be more of a presence at poker events in the coming year.

Welcome to the team, Boris!